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In today’s economy, going green is more than just an effort to save our planet it is also a way of trimming your budget. Eco-friendly home improvements do not need to be costly or time-consuming to be effective.
The following simple green projects will increase the eco-friendly value of your home while saving energy and money.
Bathroom
Begin your eco-friendly upgrades in your home in the one room that uses more water than anywhere else in the house — your bathroom. Between the sink, shower, tub, and toilet a family can consume thousands of gallons of water each year.
However, there are simple green ways to conserve water in your bathroom with easy eco-friendly upgrades.
Install showerheads that save water while providing a fantastic shower or install a toilet that will save water and lower your utility bills without sacrificing comfort and performance.
Light Bulbs
One of the easiest eco-friendly home improvements is replacing your light bulbs. Energy-efficient light bulbs are readily available at most home improvement stores and discount retailers.
Light bulbs that have the Energy Star label meet the high standards set by the U. S. Department of Energy and are guaranteed for two years.
Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFL), Light Emitting Diode (LED) and halogen light bulbs are all eco-friendly upgrades to your home because they save money by lasting longer and using less energy than incandescent light bulbs.
Paint
When redecorating your home, use eco-friendly paint and green accessories throughout your home. Eco-friendly paints are free from or emit very few harmful VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) that contribute to air pollution.
According to GreenLivingIdeas, natural interior paints do not contain metals or VOCs and are an all-natural alternative to harmful chemical paints. You can purchase natural, organic bedding for a relaxing, comfortable and healthy bedroom.
Water Heater
Unfortunately, at some point, homeowners will face the task of replacing their hot water heater. When this happens, replace your conventional hot water heater with a solar water heater to save energy, reduce utility bills and reduce pollution.
Solar water heaters are gaining in popularity and installing a solar water heater is an easy eco-friendly home improvement that will also save you money in the future.
The U. S. Department of Energy has information available to consumers about solar water heaters – how they work, how to choose a solar water heater, installing and maintaining a solar water heater and where to purchase a solar water heater.
Thermostat
Heating and cooling your home is a necessity; however, properly installing and setting your thermostat will reduce the amount of energy you consume heating and cooling your home.
A simple eco-friendly home improvement you can do yourself that will maximize these savings is to install a programmable thermostat.
A programmable thermostat is designed to save energy by controlling the temperature in your home without sacrificing a comfortable environment.